This study, an Alternatives Analysis and Environmental Assessment, is
the next step in the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) process. This
prescribed process is required when seeking Federal funds to design or
build a new transit service.

The Alternatives Analysis will evaluate a range of transportation
options involving several different modes of travel such as rail, bus,
and highway expansion in the corridor between the Rockford/Belvidere
area and the Chicagoland Region. It will identity the option or
combination of options that best meet the needs of the corridor and the
project goals and objectives.

The
goal of the Alternatives Analysis Study is to identify a Local Preferred
Alternative (LPA) fro public transportation providing an efficient,
affordable, and attractive link between the Boone/Winnebago and Chicagoland
Regions.

Our Region Continues to Grow

The map below shows that the growth pattern has now reached the
counties of Boone, Ogle, Winnebago, DeKalb, Kane & McHenry. As an example,
as seen in the 1990- 2000 Population Change table, Boone County population
increased 35.6%. An increase of this size changes the needs and desires of
the people within the community, which often leads to a debate as to how the
growth should be managed.

1990 - 2000 Population Change

County

Population

Change %

1990

2000

Boone

30,806

41,786

+35.6%

Ogle

45,957

51,032

+11.8%

Winnebago

252,913

278,418

+10.1%

DeKalb

77,932

88,969

+14.2%

Kane

317,471

404,119

+27.3%

McHenry

183,241

260,007

+41.9%

Source: US
Census Data

This decision
is usually worked out at the local level where the members of a community
negotiate a balanced plan for land use that take into account the different
interests of the residents and business. The result of this process is local
land use plans and zoning ordinances, which determine where factories,
schools, apartments, retail centers, and homes are to be built. It also
preserves areas for agriculture, parks, wetlands, and other community
features that add to our quality of life.